"This is a lucid and lively introduction to key concepts and developments in media and media studies. The new edition, with updated case studies and a good range of online reading, is a valuable resource for both students and lecturers."
- Chindu Sreedharan, Bournemouth University

"Has expanded the possibilities of what a textbook can be. Incisive questions framed through accessible and detailed examples provide a platform for a wealth of different activities that engage readers in the critical study of media."
- Dr Daniel Ashton, Bath Spa University

"Accessibly written and very well-structured, the book will be one of those you go back to time and time again throughout your studies. In addition it also offers that much-needed, little-found extra in a textbook: critical engagement with media and society. A joy for those of us teaching the subject.
- Joke Hermes, University of Amsterdam

How much of our media experience is shaped by the profit motive of media conglomerates? How much freedom and power do we have as members of an increasingly fragmented media audience? How do the media influence what we understand about friendship, globalization and even our own selves?

This book teaches students how to ask critical questions of the media, and gives them the analytical tools to answer those questions. By gaining a rich understanding of how the media play a role in society, both in giving pleasures and creating power relationships, students are encouraged to become critical thinkers.Understanding the Media:

Teaches the theoretical foundations and key concepts students need to get started on their own media studies

Brings concepts to life with examples and case studies on everything from Harry Potter and Big Brother to the Occupy movement

Shows the ‘how to’ with guided exercises and improves essay writing with a guide to the research literature

Helps students take learning further with guided free online readings

This is an essential guide to the how and why of understanding the media, perfect for students in media studies, sociology, cultural studies and communication studies.

Companion Website now available! Visit www.sagepub.co.uk/devereux3e for a range of student and lecturer resources.

Supplements

Devereux’s third edition of Understanding the Media has expanded the possibilities of what a textbook can be. Incisive questions framed through accessible and detailed examples provide a platform for a wealth of different activities that engage readers in the critical study of media.

Dr Daniel Ashton

Bath Spa University

This is a lucid and lively introduction to key concepts and developments in media and media studies. The new edition, with updated case studies and a good range of online reading, is a valuable resource for both students and lecturers.

Dr Chindu Sreedharan

Bournemouth University

Understanding the Media is carefully aimed at a new generation of media students. Accessibly written and very well-structured, the book will be one of those you go back to time and time again throughout your studies. In addition it also offers that much-needed, little-found extra in a textbook: critical engagement with media and society. A joy for those of us teaching the subject.

Joke Hermes

Inholland University and University of Amsterdam

Comprehensive guide to the how and why of understanding the media. Good overview for an introductory course in media studies.

Eoin Devereux's work is both appealing and instrumental in discussing problems pertaining to the field of Media. Its insightfulness is of great use for all, be it those starting their relationship with these issues and those who want to keep track of the foundations of the debate around media.

Professor Pedro Neto

School of Sociology and Public Policies, ISCTE - Inst of Soc Sci & Bus Studies

Sample Materials & Chapters

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Eoin Devereux

Dr. Eoin Devereux is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at University of Limerick and Adjunct Professor in Contemporary Culture at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland.He is the author of the academic best-seller Understanding The Media now in its 3rd edition (SAGE, 2014), co-editor of David Bowie: Critical Perspectives (with Aileen Dillane and Martin J. Power, Routledge, 2015) and co-editor of Morrissey: Fandom, Representations and Identities (with Dillane and Power, Intellect, 2012).Eoin is a founding member of two research clusters at UL namely the 'Power, Discourse and Society Research Cluster' and the 'Popular Music... More About Author